SGS’s GM crop field studies get the go-ahead in Argentina

SGS has received certification from Argentina’s National Seed Institute (INASE), to conduct genetically modified (GM) crop field studies to support the development of new traits and events.

Following a thorough review by INASE of SGS’s field trial capabilities, bio-safety arrangements and agronomy skills, we have been granted certification to perform field studies on the full range of GM crops. Following the accreditation of our field operation station in Junin, Argentina, customers are now able to apply for field trial permits from CONABIA (National Commission of Biotechnology).

Renan Gravena, Regional Business Development Manager, noted: "SGS is pleased to build on its GM trial capabilities in the region through our new field site in Junin, which will operate concurrently with our existing locations in Brazil. We look forward to further supporting the development of new traits and events in GM-crops in South America."

SGS operates all field trials according to Argentina’s national standards, as set down by CONABIA, and the industry’s Excellence Through Stewardship initiative.

SGS GM Crop Field Trial Services

SGS provides services related to GM-crop field trials in many countries in North and South America, as well as Asia. SGS’s extensive experience in bio-safety and agronomics, as well as the nutritional equivalence studies required for GM crops in their development phase, have been successfully replicated internally, allowing SGS to establish a robust, high-quality operation in Argentina.

With the approval process for GM field trial permits taking up to four months, SGS advises that all permits should be applied for ahead of time. To coincide with the main cropping period at our site in Junin, all trial permits should be placed with CONABIA between January and May. Following the approval of the trial permit by CONABIA, SGS is ready to commence trials, at the designated farm, using the GM material detailed in the permit application.